2025 NFL draft: 4 realistic first-round targets for Chargers this headline speaks volumes about where the Los Angeles Chargers stand right now.
With the 22nd overall pick, the Chargers don’t have the luxury of an early selection, making their potential move in the first round all the more intriguing.
Despite the challenges of predicting a late-round pick, emerging patterns among NFL analysts suggest several highly plausible choices for Los Angeles.
Instead of chasing lofty dreams, the Chargers appear poised to pursue talent that fits their immediate and future roster needs.
Jim Harbaugh and his staff have crafted a free agency strategy that has subtly shaped their draft intentions. As we delve deeper into the draft scenario, four standout prospects emerge as truly viable first-round targets for the Chargers.
Strategic Drafting Starts with Defense
The Chargers’ free agency haul painted a clear picture: veteran experience and short-term solutions. However, when it comes to the defensive line, there remains a glaring need. The departure of Poona Ford and the lack of an elite replacement means Los Angeles must invest wisely.
Kenneth Grant The Harbaugh Connection
Few players in this draft class are more tailor-made for the Chargers than Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant. Known for his power and presence in the trenches, Grant isn’t just a name on a list he’s a puzzle piece that fits perfectly into Harbaugh’s system.
It’s worth noting that Grant’s former head coach, defensive coordinator, and position coach are all part of the Chargers’ current staff. That alone speaks volumes about the potential synergy between player and franchise.
Although Grant’s testing numbers didn’t quite live up to the hype, his game tape and familiarity with the Chargers’ coaching style could easily make him their pick at No. 22.
Moreover, the defensive line needs immediate reinforcement. While Teair Tart remains on the roster and depth was added with Naquan Jones and Da’Shawn Hand, none of these players offer the disruptive upside that Grant could bring.
Thus, it’s no surprise that 2025 NFL draft: 4 realistic first-round targets for Chargers begins with a player who has both familiarity and undeniable upside.
If Not Grant, Then Who? Enter Brandon Dorlus Harmon
In any draft, flexibility is key. If Kenneth Grant is off the board, the Chargers won’t be left scrambling. Oregon’s Brandon Dorlus Harmon offers a high-ceiling alternative with a more explosive pass-rushing skill set.
Rising Stock at the Right Time
Harmon’s draft stock has quietly risen as teams take a closer look at his 2024 campaign. After transferring from Michigan State to Oregon, he made an instant splash.
His ability to penetrate the pocket and create interior pressure is precisely what the Chargers need. More importantly, Harmon’s skill set arguably exceeds Grant’s when it comes to pure pass-rush ability.
Additionally, Harmon’s rise hasn’t been accompanied by off-the-charts athletic testing, which could keep him available at pick No. 22. Nevertheless, his game speed, instincts, and interior pressure rate make him a compelling target.
It’s easy to imagine the Chargers envisioning a defensive front featuring Harmon next to Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. The potential for a revitalized pass rush would make life much easier for a secondary that’s still coming together.
A Familiar Face at Tight End – Colston Loveland
Offensive weapons are another area Los Angeles must address, especially with tight end Tyler Conklin not seen as a long-term solution. Enter Colston Loveland, another Michigan product with ties to Harbaugh.
Too Obvious to Ignore?
Loveland’s inclusion among the 2025 NFL draft: 4 realistic first-round targets for Chargers may seem a little too on the nose. However, he’s far more than a convenience pick. Loveland’s combination of route running, hands, and football IQ makes him a future TE1 in the NFL.
Even with a shoulder injury that has somewhat clouded his draft stock, Loveland remains one of the top tight end prospects. Some NFL insiders even have him ranked ahead of Penn State’s Tyler Warren, a projected top-ten pick.
While that ranking might be overly optimistic, it shows how Loveland is viewed in elite scouting circles.
Additionally, with Conklin and Will Dissly both serving as short-term options, Los Angeles must think beyond 2025. Loveland offers that bridge to the future while still contributing immediately in dual tight end sets.
Should the board fall favorably and Loveland is still available at No. 22, this pick could be one of the most seamless, no-brainer selections of the round.
Offensive Firepower – Omarion Hampton at Running Back
In a scenario where both defensive tackles and Loveland are taken before pick No. 22, the Chargers may pivot to the best player available. That player could very well be North Carolina’s standout running back Omarion Hampton.
A Controversial Yet Sensible Pick
Running backs in the first round? In 2025, that remains a hot debate. However, context matters. Najee Harris, though recently acquired, is on a one-year deal. The Chargers must consider the long-term future of their backfield.
Hampton brings a physical running style, breakaway speed, and advanced vision traits that perfectly complement the Chargers’ offensive scheme.
More importantly, Hampton wouldn’t be just a depth piece; he’d compete for starting reps from day one.
His selection might raise eyebrows, but it makes strategic sense. Investing in a durable and explosive runner like Hampton provides stability in a position known for short career spans. Paired with Harris for 2025, Hampton would also have time to acclimate without being immediately overburdened.
How the Draft Board Could Shake Out
Predicting the 2025 NFL Draft is no easy task, especially with trades and surprise selections inevitable. However, most mock drafts and insiders agree that the Chargers will likely go in one of the directions outlined above.
Their choices hinge heavily on what happens between picks 10 and 21. If defensive talent falls, Grant or Harmon becomes a priority. If tight ends start flying off the board, Loveland becomes a premium target. And if all else fails, Hampton offers both insurance and upside in the backfield.
Positional Priorities for Los Angeles
To recap, let’s examine where each of these players fits into the Chargers’ bigger picture.
- Kenneth Grant – Immediate starter on the defensive line with strong ties to the coaching staff.
- Brandon Dorlus Harmon – High-upside pass rusher from the interior, a potential Pro Bowler in the making.
- Colston Loveland – Tight end of the future and another piece of the Michigan puzzle.
- Omarion Hampton – The long-term solution at running back with top-tier traits.
Each pick fills a hole, improves depth, and most importantly, prepares the team for sustained success.
Harbaugh’s Influence Is a Game-Changer
One of the underlying narratives in 2025 NFL draft: 4 realistic first-round targets for Chargers is Jim Harbaugh’s impact. His familiarity with Michigan players like Grant and Loveland isn’t coincidental, it’s strategic.
Harbaugh has always valued character, football IQ, and scheme fit, and he’s likely lobbying for familiar faces he knows will thrive under his leadership.
This influence could very well shape the Chargers’ draft philosophy not only in 2025 but for years to come.
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Expert Editorial Comment
As the Chargers gear up for the 2025 season, their first-round pick could set the tone for an entirely new era. Whether they go with a Michigan alum, a rising star like Harmon, or a powerful back like Hampton, this pick is about more than just talent, it’s about identity.
Chargers fans should be excited. With a solid free agency period behind them and a focused draft strategy ahead, Los Angeles is poised to make a smart, impactful selection at No. 22.
The four players highlighted above are not only realistic targets they also represent the best blend of fit, need, and value at this stage in the draft.